To app or garden, that is the question...

[coffeegal]

I'd love some feedback from the group.    I've recently increased my scores pretty significantly (my siggy is current as of today), and cleaned up my CRs for the most part.  I still have a paid collection from 2009, which will fall off in September, and I had a 30 day late on my student loan last February.  This actually shows up as 3 lates, as I am paying three loans in one payment.  I apped for AMEX in Sept 14, and was denied, prior to that, I had been unknowingly in the garden since 2012... Until January 15.  

Prior to Jan 15, I had a FPB (now closed), J Crew ($740), Target store card (, auto loan (now paid off), and $6300 in student loans.  In January, I applied and was approved for a new car loan ($29,500), my CU also threw in a VISA ($1000). with the same HP.  The next day, I still had a little pep in my step from my CU approvals, and applied with AMEX.  I was approved for a Green Card, and a BCE ($2000).  Current salary is $65K, household income is $167K, though I have been apping on my own so I have not including my husband's salary.  We rent, but are looking to house hunt approx 7 months from now.  I do not pay the rent.  Current util: 0% on CCs.  AAoA is 8.9.  HPs:  EX 5 (three for auto loan), TU 1 (auto loan) EQ 1 (again dumb auto loan, I should have never let the finance manger talk me into it).  

Flash forward to today -- My EX increased 8 points, not totally sure why.  Sometimes MyFico gives additional details, sometimes, not.  Today was a not.  My paid/closed auto loan has not updated, new loan not yet reporting, nor are either of the AMEX accounts, new CU Visa IS showing.  I expect to see my scores going a bit all over the place this month until everything reports correctly.  

This morning, I had a few new options on the prequals for Citi and Cap One, though I think I want to stay away from Cap One.  

So, back to my original question.  Should I or shouldn't I?  

Thanks!

[chalupaman]

Not bad, despite for having some derogs on your report.

If there's a card that you truly want, just make sure you use Credit Pulls Database to see if your scores and profile closely match to others who have gotten approved for the card first before attempting to do it. Prequals aren't always a guarantee of approval, though it is good to have Chase ones because they tend to pull TU. Having clean reports (as much as possible) should also be a big priority for you.

If there's nothing you really want, just keep gardening.

[Anonymous]

@Coffeegal,

You are doing a good job of cleaning your report.  The question is - is the card a need OR want.  I'd garden more but then again, I am not in your shoes..

[coffeegal]

@Yes-Its-Me, my instinct is to garden.  I feel a little overwhelmed (not sure if that's the right word) having all this newness.  That said, one of the prequals that came up was the Citi Double Cash with an interest rate of 12.99% after the 0% introductory period.  The DC is on my "would app for" list.  I certainly don't need it now.  

I should probably stick to my instincts!  Thanks!

[Anonymous]

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@coffeegal wrote:

@Anonymous, my instinct is to garden.  I feel a little overwhelmed (not sure if that's the right word) having all this newness.  That said, one of the prequals that came up was the Citi Double Cash with an interest rate of 12.99% after the 0% introductory period.  The DC is on my "would app for" list.  I certainly don't need it now.  

I should probably stick to my instincts!  Thanks!

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@coffeegal,

Always go with your instincts.  You have done well so far and look forward to the 3xCLI on your Amex. card.  Credit card companies are always coming out with good offers all the time so you are not missing out on anything.

[scorewatcher7]

You have a decent AAoA, excellent util, and a good salary. Those 30day delinquents must be playing into your score a bit. If you don't really need anything, I would garden a bit and let maybe another year accrue on those 30 day delinquents. If you can't wait that long, it is my understanding you are able to use all household income available to you on your apps- regardless of if it's your income or spousal. So if using the higher income can help you out on application, go ahead and use it. If you don't have to Cap1,  I would Citi it instead. 

[App_Addict]

APP!  What would you expect me to say? 

[bdhu2001]

Garden.  You state you'll be looking for a mortgage in the next 7 months.  Don't apply for anything else.  Just clean your credit and pull your scores yourself until both you and your husband show a low middle mortgage score of 740+.  760+ is better, but 740+ will give you the best rates with most companies.

[Anonymous]

Normally I'd say pull the trigger on the DC card, but I think Citi is shy about giving out TL to those with derogs on their credit history.  

Plus, you're looking to buy a house soon.  Garden.